Join Us

The Passaic Optimist Club holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of young people and honor those who serve them and the wider community. The funds raised through these events go toward the scholarships we award each year that help youth attain their dreams of college and the greater opportunities higher education offers, and to supporting athletic programs and civic organizations that support youth.

We also hold events that simply bring the power of optimism into the community, such as: our Hot Dog Night, which honors the players of both the Passaic and Clifton High School football teams; our annual Essay Contest; and Youth Appreciation, Community Service and Beefsteak awards dinners.

We hold our regular monthly meetings on Thursdays at Alexus Steakhouse in Clifton beginning at 7:00 p.m., September through June. First-time visitors are welcome. With optimism also comes reverie and camaraderie.

Our Signature Events

Annual Hank Opalka/Harold Ferguson Golf Outing

Our annual golf outing raises funds to support the Passaic Optimist Friend of Youth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. During the past year the Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to Passaic High School students, renewal scholarships to students in college and grants to several local athletic programs and civic organizations which serve the youth of Passaic. We welcome members and non-members alike as we enjoy a day on the links and dinner in the clubhouse.

Monday, August 31, 2020 12:00pm – Crystal Springs Golf Club, Hamburg, NJ. Register now!

Youth In Government Luncheon

Our Youth in Government Day enables more than 50 students from Passaic High School to spend a half-day embedded in the Passaic government administration to learn how government operates. Students are paired with members of the city’s mayor’s office or other government department or city Board of Education, based on their potential career interests. The day begins with a meeting with the Mayor in the City Council Chambers, followed by several hours shadowing their mentor for the day, and then a celebratory luncheon with guest speaker.

When: TBD

Annual Beefsteak Dinner/Tricky Tray Fundraiser

Friday January 31, 2020 at 7pm at the Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ.
Those who dedicate themselves to education open invaluable doors for youth. Each year at our Beefsteak Dinner we honor our Person of the Year, someone in education or who supports education or who is dedicated to community service and has made a difference in the lives of young people, all while demonstrating an optimistic attitude. The 2019 Person of the Year is Graciella ‘Shirley’ Romero.

$90 Per Ticket

Meeting Schedule

Thurs., Sept. 26, 2019

Regular Meeting – Firehouse Family Restaurant, Garfield, NJ NOTE NEW LOCATION!

7:00 pm

Thurs., Oct. 17, 2019

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2019

Meet-n-Greet New Members – Shannon Rose Restaurant, Clifton, NJ

4:30- 7:30 pm

Thurs., Nov. 21, 2019

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Dec. 12, 2019

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Dec. 14-15 and 21-24, 2019

Line of Coins/Bag for Cash – ShopRite, Passaic, NJ (schedule/sign-up list to follow)

TBA

Thurs., Jan. 9, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Jan. 23, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Fri., Jan. 31, 2020

Annual Beefsteak Dinner/Tricky Tray Fundraiser. SOLD OUT!

2019 Person of the Year – Graciella ‘Shirley’ Romero.

7:00 pm

Thurs., Feb. 20, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Mar. 12, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Apr. 2, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., Apr. 23, 2020 (TENTATIVE DATE)

Youth Appreciation Dinner, Garden Vista Ballroom

7:00 pm

Thurs., May 7, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Thurs., May 21, 2020 (TENTATIVE DATE)

Community Service Awards, Garden Vista Ballroom

7:00 pm

Wed., June 3, 2020

Foundation Trustees scholarship awards dinner meeting-location TBD

7:00 pm

Fri., June 5, 2020 (TENTATIVE DATE)

Youth in Government Day Luncheon-Sevilla Restaurant

12:00 pm

Thurs., June 25, 2020

Regular Meeting-Alexus Steakhouse

7:00 pm

Mon., August 31, 2020

Golf Outing-Crystal Springs Golf Club, Hamburg, NJ Register Now!

12:00 pm

TBD

Club Picnic-TBD

TBD